Study Abroad

Loras College is globally connected to provide students unique learning experiences around the world. Whether students are looking to enhance their foreign language skills or simply to immerse themselves in a different culture, the Center for Experiential Learning helps students identify international programs that best match their learning goals. International study broadens perspectives, enhances self-confidence and strengthens adaptability. Studying abroad also makes graduates more attractive to potential employers and graduate schools. Study abroad experiences are life-changing.

All Loras students, no matter their major, have the opportunity to live and study in another country. Loras College sponsors study abroad semesters in Ireland, Portugal,South Africaand Spain. For Loras-sponsored programs, students receive 100% of their institutional, state and federal financial aid. Short-term study travel options are also offered in January term to further encourage students to explore other cultures. Destinations have included Belize, China, Costa Rica, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico,and Peru. Contact the CEL office to set up an advising session if you are interested in study abroad.

Affiliate Programs
The College is affiliated with six other institutions which expand the options for international study to all corners of the globe. For most affiliate programs students receive 100% of their state and federal aid and can receive some support from Loras College. Visit their websites for more information:

Requirements to Study Abroad
Students must have a 2.5 minimum GPA and 40 semester hours completed prior to departure. Loras students should apply on the Inside Loras CEL portal pages. The application priority deadline is March 15th for Loras Fall and Spring semester programs.

"A semester abroad was an unforgettable experience: I made friends from all over the world, adjusted to the local culture, and traveled throughout Europe. My year away enhanced my confidence, problem-solving skills, patience, gratitude, and self-awareness."
-- Mary McClure, Portugal

"Now is truly the best time to take advantage of these experiences! Being able to go abroad for schooling allows you to have opportunities that you would not have as a tourist, so don’t rely on the thought, 'Well, I could always go there in the future.' Go!!" -- Brittany Seyller, India

"Don’t assume you can’t do something just because you’ve never done it before or you haven’t been taught. One of the scariest moments of my life was sitting across from the university’s head of the Ph.D. Genetics department and explaining to her the research project I had worked on back in the states, all in Spanish… on my first day at my internship. But I did it, and what’s more, she was impressed." -- Elizabeth Kellom, Spain

"It allows an individual to develop skills and give experiences a classroom setting simply cannot provide. Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting is scary at first, but it’s exciting. It’s an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems. Encountering situations that are wholly new gives the opportunity to learn to adapt and respond in effective ways." -- Geovanni Almanza, Botswana, Fall 2011 and Spain

“While studying abroad I not only learned about the countries I visited but I also came to new realizations about the world's view on the United States. Being in Ireland not only gave me some great memories but I left there knowing that the last four months would forever influence my future.” --Mariah Powers, Ireland

“The life-long learning experiences that come about while being abroad will never be fully understood unless you take the opportunity to go out of your comfort zone and experience life in another country. If I had to sum up how my experience in Spain changed me, it would be that I am more self-confident, more globally aware, and I am now yearning to learn about and connect with people from all over the world.” --Jessica Welp, Spain

“The South Africa program fully allows you to dive into their culture and meet people from all over the world. Coming back I definitely felt more self confident, open minded, and knowledgeable about the world. My experience will help me in my career and all aspects of my life because I can easily adapt to any situation after living in another country by myself for six months. One big realization that I have made is learning that the world is extremely connected. We are all part of a global community and I recommend everyone take a semester abroad; it will change your life.” --Liz Piriczky, South Africa

“Despite all the problems in the region, it was hard to go a few minutes without finding people who were smiling and dancing, asking you to join along. Working with the people really let me know what was important in life."--Eric Dayton, Botswana

“For me, a Spanish, International Studies, and Politics major, being immersed in the culture has helped me to learn the value of understanding another culture and people and given me a love of trying new things, such as speaking the language, making my iTunes library a little more international, and sampling some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted. Because of the international opportunities Loras provides, I have grown more independent and confident and formed new friendships around the world. At every turn in my experience, I found myself saying, 'Isn't this fun!' And it was. It was the time of my life." --Kevin O'Brien, Spain